Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the current government to prioritize the completion and operationalization of all stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects, stressing that continuity is essential to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.
The Agenda 111 initiative, launched during his administration, aimed to construct 111 hospitals across the country to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking over the weekend at the launch of the Kyebi Government Hospital’s centenary celebrations, Akufo-Addo emphasized that completing the unfinished facilities would significantly enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.
He urged political leaders to rise above partisanship when it comes to health infrastructure, noting that healthcare development should not be politicized. According to him, sustained progress in the sector depends on building on existing projects rather than abandoning them.
“We must also be honest, not every project was realised, not every project was completed. At some facilities, we reached advanced stages that could not be finished before our term ended. Agenda 111 must be continued. Continuity, not disruption, is how health systems succeed,” he stated.
The event, organized by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional State in collaboration with the Kyebi Government Hospital, also highlighted pressing challenges facing the century-old facility.
The Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, expressed frustration over the state of the hospital, pointing out critical gaps in equipment and infrastructure. He lamented the absence of essential diagnostic tools such as a scan machine and a well-equipped laboratory, even after 100 years of the hospital’s existence.
Healthcare professionals at the facility echoed similar concerns. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Isaac Adu-Opoku Antwi, revealed that overcrowding has forced children to share wards with pregnant women, a situation he said compromises the quality of care.
He appealed to the government and stakeholders to support the construction of key facilities, including a maternity block, a children’s ward, a physiotherapy unit, and residential accommodation for health workers.
Stakeholders at the event collectively called for urgent investment in healthcare infrastructure, stressing that improved facilities are critical to delivering quality medical services and meeting the growing needs of the population.
Story By: Eric Boateng
